DNR News

Oct. 31, 2013

Smallmouth bass stocked in Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park

Nearly 4,000 smallmouth bass were stocked in Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park in Oconee County on Wednesday, Oct. 31. On hand for the smallmouth bass stocking were state Sen. Larry Martin and state Rep. Davey Hiott, both of Pickens.

"There is no prettier place to go fishing than Lake Jocassee, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains," said Martin. "Fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family, and this stocking of smallmouth bass in Lake Jocassee will make fishing even better there."

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) used a specially equipped fish-hauling truck to stock 3,750 smallmouth bass in Lake Jocassee at Devils Fork State Park. The fish were produced at Cheraw State Fish hatchery. These phase II fish, averaging about 6 inches, should grow to a catchable size by late spring or early summer 2014. Smallmouth bass must be a minimum of 12 inches to be kept at Lake Jocassee.

"This is a great partnership between State Parks and DNR," said Kevin Evans, park manager at Devils Fork State Park. "Lake Jocassee provides recreation for many different kinds of anglers, including campers and day-users."
Devils Fork State Park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program, sponsored by DNR. Rods and reels are available for loan at the park office.

The DNR Freshwater Fisheries Section annually stocks from seven to 10 million fish in state waters, including striped and hybrid bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel and blue catfish, bluegill, redbreast, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Anglers in South Carolina spend almost $742 million to fish each year, making the sport, with economic multipliers factored in, a billion dollar business in the Palmetto State.